Arbor Day Foundation names Amherst Tree City Community for 11th year

The Town of Amherst has been named a Tree City USA Community by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. This is the 11th year Amherst has received this national recognition.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Amherst has met the four standards necessary to become a Tree City USA Community: 1) a tree board or department, 2) a tree care ordinance, 3) a comprehensive community forestry program, and 4) an Arbor Day observance.

In bestowing this designation, John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation, said, "Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives. Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens who plant and care for the community forest. Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns and provide environmental and economic benefits. A community and its citizens that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserve recognition and thanks."